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"Today the court has ordered that a retrial occur for Mr Eastman and has further quashed his conviction for the murder of Mr Colin Winchester, determining of course that that conviction is unsafe," he said.

"We live in a society and in a community which is governed by the rule of law and no matter what our particular views may be about this matter and about this case, it is very important that we respect the decision of the court.

"Therefore today in accordance with the orders of the court Mr Eastman will of course be released on bail. His bail is the subject of conditions imposed by the court and he is subject to the supervision of ACT corrective services."

Citing privacy considerations, Mr Corbell declined to comment on any involvement of ACT Corrective Services officers in assisting the 68-year-old during his transition out of Canberra's Alexander Maconochie Centre jail.

He said some detainees found the adjustment to life outside prison difficult.

"The government's policy is that no detainee is released into homelessness following their period of imprisonment. Mr Eastman will be treated the same way as any other person who is released," Mr Corbell said.

He would not provide details, but said the government would use its Throughcare program, which helps ex-prisoners with housing, health, financial advice and other rehabilitation, including reconnection with family and friends.

"He will be provided with the normal support that is provided to any detainee on their release and that includes arrangements for accommodation," Mr Corbell said.

"We do not release prisoners into homeless regardless of who they are and Mr Eastman will be treated the same as any other person who had served a period of imprisonment."

Mr Corbell said the long running Eastman inquiry had cost ACT taxpayers more than $10 million.

It was far too early to consider compensation, with the case now in the hands of the Director of Public Prosecutions, he said.

ACT Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson said he would await a decision on an upcoming retrial of Mr Eastman.

"My thoughts are with the Winchester family at this time who will find this decision distressing," Mr Hanson said.